Vive La Femme

I find something amazing every time coming to this place. It rocks and I feel like hot shit walking out in my new treads. Wow. Just perfect

I seriously cannot say enough great things about this place. I’ve known Vive la Femme for years, but just saw that the owner was highlighted in Crain’s this month. Stephanie, congrats! What an amazing achievement – you so deserve it!
For those ladies who have not yet met Stephanie Sack, you are missing out. She is fun, on trend, and has a knack for picking things that I would never choose, but that look great (and fit). Also, she is always upfront: if something doesn’t look good, she’ll say so and find you something else that’s amazing – she wants you to love what you buy, to go home feeling like you can’t wait to wear it. In fact, all of the staff are great – super friendly and helpful – and you just feel at ease the entire time you’re in the store.
The prices are reasonable too (even though I’m somewhat of a cheapskate, I can always find a few great deals on really cute pieces including bigger items like dresses and coats).

This was my first visit to a boutique. Being a plus-​size gal, boutiques = skinny to me. Not at Vive la Femme! Finally, quality made clothes that fit and look amazing.
The sales associate will pull items for you. Be open and try on at least one thing that you wouldn’t normally wear. You get what you pay for– but when you get a garment that is made well and wears well, it’s worth every penny.

I live pretty much right across the street from this place. I decided I would finally stop and I sure am glad I did. The ladies working were both so fun, friendly, outgoing– absolutely just a blast. They had me laughing and I felt so much better about myself after trying on a few items.
I’m so glad that there is a place around me that has clothing that A) fits woman that are more fuller and taller and B) That actually looks and feels comfortable AND sexy! Yes. both DO exist! Love the clothing here and, not to mention the sister shoe store that is right down the street. Very impressed with their Customer Service and nice to actually meet people that aren’t stuck up and snobby.

They have some awesome merchandise in this place. Cute ass clothes and accessories to go with them too. The prices are well priced I think, you get what you paid for. I bought this really cute summer shawl that I accidentally ruined so now I have to go back to Vive and find something cuter. Oh well. ;)
Very helpful employees and a nice chill environment. No craziness, no judgements. My kind of place.

I feel pretty. .. Oh soooooo pretty. .. (show tunes are just spewing forth tonight as I write)
I drove in with an open mind and so happy I did. Amanda did a great job selecting items that I might just have zipped past on my own.
I found 2 dresses to fit the occasion and couldn’t decide and since they were both priced so reasonably, they both came to live in the suburbs. I think they’ll be happy here.
After I had accomplished what I had set out to do, I could shop for a few fun items, also with great success. It was a pleasure to shop in a store where no one cares that you are not a size 00 and haven’t eaten a piece of food in 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, and 20 hours (and counting). Damn, I went in having eaten breakfast.
I’ll be back, as the expression goes :)

Stephanie is so fantastic, she deserves her own review. I recently visited for the first time to find a dress for the 12 Days event, and was immediately struck by Stephanie’s warmth and upbeat demeanor. I particularly loved her honest opinions; I tend to make pretty quick judgments about how I look in a piece, and Stephanie could read my mind every time. She’s also an expert at the well-​placed ego boost.
With my current job, I’m not the richest gal on the block, and some items were sadly way out of my price range. Yes, my ass looked great in those jeans, but at $ 125 they were way out of my reach, even with the event discount. The dresses have a great range of prices — I walked out with an amazing black lace number for $ 80, and something more casual for $ 40. Also, I feel like I’m an in-​between size — my chest is too large for some mainstream stores, but sometimes I drown in a 1X. While some pieces at the store definitely didn’t work, when they did, I looked damn good ifIdosaysomyself!
In all honesty, I’m not entirely pleased to be shopping in a plus-​size store, but that’s my own issue. While I’m the size that I am, I might as well look fantastic and wear quality pieces. Vive La Femme is the place to go for high-​quality denim and dresses.

Trust Stephanie. Really.
Been back a couple of times now and I just need to tell Stephanie what I need and she will pull items out for me. They fit. They look great. Easy Peasy.
She knows her stuff. Even if the items are not my usual style, I will try them on and find that the items fit well and are very flattering. Boutique shopping made simple!
Recent needs – Jeans, a dress and a blouse. check, check and check. Throw in a hot jacket and on-​site alterations to hem my jeans. This place is super cool.

Took the bus over to Vive La Femme, because you know, I’m a femme and I am living! Amanda helped me. She was beyond fantastic. Asked me what I was looking for. I said: I will try just about anything. She said: there you go! I bought a cute little breezy easy skirt and tee shirt combo. Cute, not crazy expensive. Happy girl.
Then, came across a designer that I just fell in love with: Gayla Bentley. Like, angels singing fell in love love with. The line is shifting so not everything was out on the floor. Amanda proceeded to dig in boxes in the back and find me everything in my size. I found a black wrap pencil skirt that almost made me cry with happiness. Serious customer service like that, no hard sell on anything, made me want to buy everything I looked at. So I did. Will absolutely positively go back there on a regular basis. Thanks ladies and see you soon!

With apologies to Doprah, here’s «what I know for sure»:
1. that we chubby women cannot wear cheap clothes. Dress cheap, look cheap. Yeah, those Sears/​Kmart/​JC Penney models look damn good but could WE wear that crap? No, uh, no, we couldn’t.
2. that we MUST give up the obsession with size. Take a deep breath and let it go. Besides, no one has to know what size (s) you wear. Get over it.
3. that one visit to Vive La Femme and you will be transformed. And I dare you to leave this fabulous store without a purchase. And not just any purchase, but a piece that does not make you feel absolutely striking and stylish.
Despite having been in business for 8 years, I just recently visited Vive La Femme for the first time — partly due to lack of funds caused by one too many layoffs and partly because I was afraid I would love it. Which I did. Now I am in trouble.
Skirts, shirts, sweaters, a spring coat, a Russian Duchess dress — yeah, you heard me — Duchess. Duchess Deborah. Has a nice ring to it, n’est pas?
Owner Stephanie S, manager Stephanie and staff are insanely helpful, courteous, funny (humor is required when trying on clothes unless you are Naomi Campbell) and utterly customer-​focused, customer-​driven. They are truly there to make sure you leave the store feeling beautiful like you just scored the coolest outfit — which you did. At least I did. Many outfits. Just ask my Visas.
I ask you — what store in this day and age has someone approach you enthusiastically, ask you what you are looking for and then, after sizing you up/​down, proceeds to fill a dressing room for you without pressuring you to buy?
Larger women, unite! Go forth and prosper at Vive La Femme.

I came here on the recommendation of a good friend who used to be close to my size (she lost a lot of weight. bitch) and understood the precarious and disheartening notion of shopping for clothes as a larger lady.
We need Style. Flattering cuts. Comfortable fabric. And in our size please.
Vive La Femme has a lot to offer with plenty of chic pieces that suite almost every taste. It can be a bit expensive but no more than any other boutique in the city.
When I walked in I was a caught off guard because I was then the only customer in the store, so Stephanie whisked me around the store pulling dresses off the racks for me to try on. There were some really nice pieces but nothing that I really loved for the occasion I was shopping for. Good customer service but also came on a little strong. I dont like shopping in general so it was just a touch much for me to be taken care of like that. But it was also very nice of her to take such good care of me.
I look forward to coming back in the future and wish Stephanie the best!

Love Love LOVE Vive La Femme. Stephanie, Amanda, and Stephanie 2.0 are always BEYOND helpful when I go in. They always remember me and know what sorts of styles and colors I like, but aren’t afraid to suggest something out of my comfort zone… and 9 times out of 10 they’re right! Some of the stuff is on the pricey side, but I got a bunch of dresses for $ 30 – 50 last summer and I still wear them on a weekly basis — and get TONS of compliments!
If you’re looking for something specific, it’s helpful to call in advance to make sure they have something that fits the bill. If you’re just browsing or looking for a great shopping experience, stop in. Their inventory changes extremely frequently, so be sure to keep that in mind. Stephanie sends out e-​mails with new shipment information on a weekly basis and updates her Facebook with pictures every time they get new clothes in, which is great. They also have frequent sales and I’ve gotten some KILLER steals there.
Parking is surprisingly easy, considering it’s a popular neighborhood and street parking is all that’s available.
What are you still doing here? If you’re size 12 or up, GO SHOP AT VIVE!

I cannot believe that I am writing this review, because I cannot believe that I am admitting publically for the first time that my size is in this range. Alas, here I am.
I. could. not. believe. it!!! Whoever was working (medium length brunette hair, light complexion) was amazing. I was browsing, and let her know that I was just looking around for nothing in particular. Not much was catching my eye, to be honest. I don’t want to dress in garish colors or wear items reminiscent of tents. She, however, picked out a few things and told me to try them on. Whatever, I figured. So, I try things on, and one after another they each look AMAZING! Things I wouldn’t have chosen on my own. She explained that she is accustomed to seeing the inventory on so many different body types that she can tell what might look good on me after a quick (and unbeknownst to me) look-​over.
I feel good in what I bought, and the prices were very reasonable. Now THIS is retail therapy :)

I love this place so much.
I saw a cute skirt on their site/​newsletter, so I dropped in. Though they had it in my size (and it fit like a dream!), I didn’t care for the color, so they interrupted the seamstress in the basement (who handmakes these skirts) and had her come up and discuss skirt colors with me. Talk about stellar customer service.
While I was there, I asked (as I always do) about jeans with longer inseams. The last time or two I’d been there, it had been a bust (as most stores are). This time? They pulled a few pairs of jeans off the wall for me to try on… and they FIT! Not only did they fit, but my 6’1 self now owns a pair of jeans long enough to wear heels with. What?! This is positively unheard of! No muffin-​top, no sagging through the thigh/​butt area (I’m proportioned oddly), and… not flood pants!
These folks are miracle workers and they’re just so much fun to chat with. Keep up the good work, ladies!

It has been a week since I shopped here and I am still stunned by the awesomeness of my experience. I have never had copious amounts of money, and have sorta resigned myself to miserable shopping experiences picking through the plus size racks of hideously ugly mom jeans. Vive Le Femme has transformed me. My wallet is still hurting, but I am love with my new dress and the most expensive pair of jeans I have every purchased.
Stephanie and her crew pretty much gave me the Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman experience. I barely even touched the racks. I just told them what I was looking for and they filled up my dressing room. About 75% of what they brought me fit beautifully, was flattering, and looked amazing. And the ladies were not shy about giving an honest opinion, which I appreciated. If something didn’t work, they told me so.
Extra bonus, they will hem pants if you are short like me, for an extra $ 10. I will need to save my money, but I will absolutely be back.

Oh. My. Gawd! If you are a curvy gal in need of a wardrobe update… look no further… don’t pass go… stop right where you are because Vive La Femme is IT. This chic little boutique has practically everything one could want — great denim, variety of blouses, dresses… sigh…the dresses. So many great great pieces here that I had a hard time deciding what take home with me.
Are you a person who is never sure what to try on? Or what would look good on you? You don’t have to worry about that at VLF… Stephanie and her team are fabulous and got that covered for you. The gals are super friendly and really know their stuff. They will pull pieces for you that you would never think to try on… and I’ll bet you that you’ll walk out with something you never thought you would. That is the beauty of letting someone else pull items for you!
I walked away with this adorable black satin peasanty dress with some ultra cool panel work done on the front side. I also snagged a sleeveless polka dot blouse with a red belt and ruffle detailing — something I thought I looked cute but was not sure would look great on me… uhh guess what? It did!
Vive La Femme should be one of your go-​to stores if you are curvy gal. Lets face it… our options are somewhat limited and we need all the help we can get. Thankfully we have stores like Vive La Femme to lend that helping hand.

Stephanie and her team made shopping fun! I have never had a personal shopper, but I would imagine it would be something like the team at Vive Le Femme. They helped me pick out several things to try on. If I said I liked the cut of something, but not the color, they would bring me something similar in a different print.
I got a very cute dress, and I am super excited to wear it!

Such beautiful stuff,
Such a beautiful owner.
Yay for clothes that fit!

I was so disappointed after looking at the website and reading these reviews. I visited VLF yesterday looking for some pants and some separates that I could wear to work. The selection was not really seasonal since it was mostly modal fabrics that the front-​facing associate showed me — everything seemed non-​fall or winter.
Looking on the rack I found my dream dress for work. Unfortunately there was only one in my size, and it was not the color I wanted. When I asked about the label, a voice from the back called out «NO REORDERS» and then «SHE COULD GOOGLE IT I GUESS.» Then something about brown shoes not being the worst thing in the world (I had said I avoid brown in my wardrobe so that I can always wear black shoes.) Then the sales associate gave me a card, and told me to sign up for their emails — even though they wouldn’t help me find anything like the dress/​style I wanted?
I was so disappointed! So I took the advice of the mystery voice and googled. I found a boutique in Rochester NY called black cat plus that carries the same label (Comfy USA) and within a few hours the owner had special-​ordered the dress for me from Comfy. It only took her a phone call — one that the people at VLF didn’t think I was worth making.
I would love to support a business like VLF but I was honestly just left flat by my experience there. Another reviewer said that they make you feel like a million dollars — I did not feel that way at all! Perhaps the fabulous Stephanie wasn’t there that day?

Well I am new to writing Unilocal reviews even though I have been lurking on here for quite a while… but I cannot let time go by without writing a review for my very, very favorite shop in Chicago.
I have been with Ms. Stephanie and her glorious glamazons since the very beginning. It is now at the point that upwards of 70% of my wardrobe is from Vive La Femme. In most cases that would be wierd and boring to have so many things from the same store but in this case it is a very good thing. Their clothes are foxy, beautiful, and unique and fit like they were tailor made for my shape. Stephanie and Co are always finding great new lines and rotating the stock so it is quite literally never the same store twice.
What I LOVE most about the shop and all the girls is that they are insightful and can always manage to pull just the right outfit that will work for you. I also love their honesty and practicality… they will never try to sell you something you don’t look utterly fabulous in just to make a sale. They have steered me away from a few personal fashion faux pas on more than one occasion.
Even though I LOVE this store I have to limit my visits since I never manage to leave the store without a SERIOUS dent in the pocketbook… cause EVERYTHING IS JUST SO DAMM CUTE… it’s like Lay’s potato chips… I can’t buy just one.
I highly recommend this store to any big girl who wants to look fabulous for every occasion.